TIG Welding Basics: What Every Beginner Needs to Know

TIG welding machine:

This is the most important piece of equipment. The reason for this is it is the main source of electric power. You can control settings like amperage and polarity depending on the type of metal you are using.

Tungsten Electrode:

A tungsten electrode is a non-consumable weld that does not melt. It is highly heat resistant and used to create an arc that melts the metal. Pure tungsten and thoriated and ceriated tungsten are different types of electrodes.

Shielding gas:

Shielding gas is very important to get clean welds. Shielded gases like Helium and Argon protect welds from impurities. The most commonly used gas is Argon but a mixture of both can also be used.

Filler rod:

When additional metal is required to join the workpiece a separate filler rod is used. The type of filler depends upon the metal you are working on.

Protective gear:

Use a high-quality welding helmet to protect yourself from blisters, long-term vision damage and skin infections. It gives you strong protection against harmful UV radiation. Use heat-resistant gloves, a welding jacket and protective clothing to get protection from hazards.

Setting up a TIG welding machine

Choosing the right tungsten electrode:

Choosing the right tungsten electrode:

The first step is to choose the right tungsten electrode depending on the type of metal you are using. 2% thoriated is ideal for DC welding and 1.5% lanthanated tungsten works best for AC/DC welding. For getting precise welding, the electrode should be clean and sharpened to get a fine point.

Prepare the electrode:

To create a better weld with high precision sharpen the electrode to the fine point using a grinder.

Set up the shielding gas:

Use a shielding gas to prevent the weld from contamination to get stronger welds. After this, connect the gas to the machine and turn on the valve. Set the gas flow rate at around 15-20 cubic meter feet per hour.

Adjust the machine settings:

Adjust the amperage based on the metal thickness and use a DC negative if you are using steel material and AC for aluminum. You should ensure a steady flow rate.

Prepare the workpiece:

To prepare the workpiece, clean it for any dust, rust and grease. It will help you in getting a cleaner weld.

TIG welding techniques for beginners

Holding the torch properly:

Keep a strong and firm grip on the torch but stay relaxed. You should try to hold the torch at 10-15 degrees from vertical. Keep your hands stable because shaky hands will create weaker welds.

Controlling heat and arc length:

There should be a smaller distance between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece. The reason for this is that a longer arc results in weaker welds. On the other hand, a short arc can result in contaminating the weld.

Adjust the amperage based on the thickness of the metal. Set the high amperage for thicker materials and lower for the thinner materials.

Adding filler metal correctly:

Hold the filler metal properly at a slight angle and dip it carefully into the molten welding pool. The filler rod should not touch the tungsten electrode because it can cause contamination. To get uneven welds move the torch and filler rod at a steady pace.

Moving at the right speed:

The speed torch and filler rod matter a lot. If you move them too fast it can cause weak welds to have gaps. Moving them too slowly can cause the weld to become too hot and result in messy beads. You should maintain a consistent speed instead.

Common mistakes to avoid

You should not use too much or too little shielding gas.
You should not hold the torch too far from the metal.
Try not to move the torch in an uneven motion.

Common materials for TIG welding

The common materials are

Aluminum: It is light and corrosive. It is mainly used in the automotive, aerospace and construction industries.
Stainless steel: It is also light and corrosion and is used in food processing industries, health and construction.
Carbon steel: This material is easy to weld and is used in production.
Copper alloy: Bronze is very good in heat and electricity, which is why it is used in electrical applications.

Basic TIG welding joints and positions

Butt joint:

Here two pieces of metal are placed edge to edge.

Lap joint:

The weld is made along the edge and one piece of metal overlaps another.

T joint:

A T shape is formed because one piece of metal is placed 90 degrees to another.

The welding positions are flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead.

Security prevention measures

You must wear the right protective gear and ensure good ventilation. High-temperature management is very careful and always maintains a clean workspace. Avoid electrical risks and keep your hands dry.

Conclusion

Tig Welding is a very useful skill but requires practice and patience. If you are a beginner, start with basic things and learn important techniques. Take appropriate preventive measures to avoid injury. Learn errors and focus on continuous improvement.